Get Ready for HDNet's New, Original Comedy Series - 'Svetlana' Opens for Business Thursday, May 27 At 10:30 p.m. ET

Guest Stars Including Thomas Lennon, Lance Reddick, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Richard Schiff and Peter Jacobson Join Writer, Director and Star Iris Bahr in 'Svetlana'

Award-winning actress and comedienne Iris Bahr ("Curb your Enthusiasm," "Larry the Cable Guy," "DAI," "The Last Exorcist") stars as "Svetlana" in HDNet's newest comedy series that explores the trials and tribulations of Svetlana Maksimovoskaya, a Russian madam and political consultant. "Svetlana" is taking over Hollywood and is open for business beginning Thursday, May 27 at 10:30 p.m. ET on HDNet.

"Svetlana" also features the versatile character actor Alex Veadov ("We Own The Night," "Air Force One" and "Drag Me To Hell") and Playboy Playmate Irina Voronina (Miss January 2001), and is ripe with guest star appearances by Thomas Lennon ("Reno 911!"), Sandy Martin ("Big Love," "It's Always Sunny"), Maksim Chmerkovskiy ("Dancing with the Stars"), Phil LaMarr ("King of the Hill"), Jennifer Elise Cox ("10 Items or Less"), Richard Schiff ("The West Wing"), Lance Reddick ("The Wire," "Fringe") and Peter Jacobson ("House," "Good Night and Good Luck") to name a few.

In this internet sensation turned HDNet series, Svetlana runs a small yet powerful family business, aptly named "St. Petersburg House of Discreet Pleasure" which employs her three beautiful "daughters" played by Voronina, Angela Gots ("90210") and Katia Hayes. The business just happens to be located conveniently in Svetlana's three bedroom Hollywood home! The series takes a comical sneak peek into the daily workings of our leading lady's little "empire," which include, not only off-kilter clients and workplace fiascoes but family dynamics typical of any household in America such as sibling rivalry, teen angst, marital tensions with her lazy but loving husband Vlad (Veadov), and the challenges involved in juggling both a successful business and motherhood - all of which Svetlana handles with charming Russian abrasiveness and wit.

"Svetlana" was created, written, directed and produced by the series' star Iris Bahr and originally became a comic sensation on Funny or Die.com. Bahr was the winner of the 2008 Lucille Lortel Award for Best Solo Show for her one woman show "DAI." "DAI" also received the Drama Desk and UK Stage Award nominations for Outstanding Solo Show and Sound Design. She has toured with "DAI" around the world including a performance at the United Nations for over 100 ambassadors and delegates.